Srinagar, July 14 -- The Union Territory administration on Monday announced an Autonomous Hill Development Council (AHDC) for each of its seven districts, extending the existing framework of elected local self-governance beyond Leh and Kargil. Announcing the decision, Ladakh chief secretary Ashish Kundra said, "This is a major step towards democratic decentralisation and grassroots governance. Section 3(1) of the LAHDC Act already provides for a council for every district, to be constituted from a date the government notifies in the gazette. Only amendments to the Act, wherever required, and delimitation of constituencies remain." Earlier, Ladakh had only two districts - Leh and Kargil. In April, Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass were also given district status. "Ladakh is going to have a customised model and it would be designed for the betterment of the people," he said. Officials revealed that the councils will have full authority over land ownership and land allotment within the districts. They will also regulate recruitment and promotion for district cadre posts, besides framing their own developmental plans. The new councils will be responsible for health, education, and tourism at the district level, and for the implementation of social welfare schemes....